{"id":703,"date":"2017-12-04T10:30:28","date_gmt":"2017-12-04T15:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=703"},"modified":"2025-12-10T14:49:34","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T19:49:34","slug":"health-tips-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/health-tips-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"7 tips for a healthy, stress-free holiday season"},"content":{"rendered":"

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and food. But with the incoming party invitations, family visits, marathon meals, and drink-fueled events, it can strain your body and your wallet\u2014not to mention the additional worry of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses that are on the rise this time of year. Time seems to move more quickly, with less opportunity to take care of yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

From indulging in those \u201climited-time only\u201d holiday coffee drinks to all of those holiday party hors d’oeuvres, your health may not be a primary focus this season, and neither is your budget. Use these tips to manage all that holiday stress\u2014physically and mentally\u2014through the new year.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Make a schedule\u2014and stick to it.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Know your limits ahead of time and set yourself up to succeed. If you were invited to three events in one evening, set realistic expectations of what you can truly do. Don\u2019t overextend yourself to the point where you\u2019re missing out on rest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For the events you decide you can do, keep track in a paper or digital calendar so \u201clast-minute events\u201d don\u2019t pop up. Notebook planners are a great way to stay organized, but there are a variety of online and app-based organizers to help you keep track of your time\u2014which will ensure stress-free holidays this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Set aside time to reset.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Stress can creep up when you least expect it. It can stem from a variety of factors, but one way to help ease your mind is to take a moment for yourself. Allow yourself some \u201cme-time\u201d when you can go outside for a walk, dive into your favorite reading material, or listen to a few of your favorite songs. Giving yourself a moment to mentally relax provides critical time for your brain to catch up, according to the <\/span>Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you are with friends and family, take a break from social media and be present. Try turning off notifications so you\u2019re not reminded every time someone posts a photo on Instagram or sends you a work email. Set time limits for yourself when using your phone. The app SPACE<\/a> can track how much time you spend on your phone\u2014<\/span>and will notify you when you go over your quota.<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter how crazy things can get during the holidays, don\u2019t forget to reward yourself with some quiet relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>The best apps to help with mental health management<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Make a holiday budget.<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to go overboard with spending during the holidays. It feels awesome to find the perfect gifts for friends and family, but not as awesome when those gifts leave you with an empty bank account. Set a maximum amount of money you want to spend and stick to that budget. Worrying less about money means less holiday stress; and less stress means a happier you!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Stay active.<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to say goodbye to fitness and health goals until after the new year (and say hello to cookies), but maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the holiday season is key to keeping you feeling balanced. It can also give your immune system a much-needed boost. If you need help holding yourself accountable, using apps like <\/span>MyFitnessPal<\/span><\/a> will help you stay in line with real-time updates. You can set the app to remind you to log in and track your calories or even remind you to take that extra run you said you would.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even just a brisk walk can help keep you healthier during the cold-weather season. Studies have shown that walking can reduce the risk of stroke in <\/span>men<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>women<\/span><\/a>. Try the <\/span>RunKeeper<\/span><\/a> app, which allows you to track running, walking, and hiking. You can set goals, track progress, and even share workouts with friends. RunKeeper will remind you of your pace and timing and sync with Spotify to play your favorite music as you exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How to avoid holiday heartburn<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Stick to routines.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Holiday events tend to disrupt our routines. Dinner get-togethers, office celebrations, and ugly sweater parties are constantly interfering with our good intentions to get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and work out. When your body and mind aren\u2019t used to a change in routine, the buildup of stress can lead to <\/span>anxiety disorders<\/span><\/a>. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to honor your regular weekly schedule whenever possible. Prioritize which events are most important to you and RSVP \u201cno\u201d to the others so you can stick to your normal nighttime routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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